…as NCS intercepts 65 stolen vehicles, over 1000 parcels of narcotics through joint operations
By Nkechi Eze
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) International Special Services has lauded the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its outstanding role in curbing transnational organised crime and fortifying border security through strategic international collaboration and intelligence-led enforcement.
This commendation comes on the heels of the recovery of 12 additional luxury vehicles by the RCMP Liaison Office in Lagos, bringing the total number of stolen Canadian vehicles traced and intercepted in Nigeria to 65. The success of the operation was attributed to the robust synergy between the NCS, RCMP, Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and Interpol Nigeria.
A formal recognition ceremony was held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the Canadian High Commission in Abuja, where the High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, His Excellency Pasquale Salvaggio, presented an Award of Recognition to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. The award recognised his leadership and the critical role played by the NCS in dismantling cross-border criminal syndicates.
Delivering the citation, High Commissioner Salvaggio applauded CGC Adeniyi for his enduring efforts in impeding the operations of international crime networks. He cited the interception of high-value stolen vehicles and the seizure of smuggled synthetic cannabis, known as ‘loud’, as key achievements enabled by the Customs Service’s commitment to global enforcement partnerships.
“Thanks to the Nigeria Customs Service’s collaboration with Canadian and Nigerian law enforcement agencies, we have successfully disrupted major international criminal networks and protected the integrity of our borders,” Salvaggio stated.
In his response, Comptroller-General Adeniyi expressed deep appreciation to the Canadian government for the honour and reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s dedication to deepening cooperation with international partners in the fight against illicit trade.
“This award is a reflection of the power of joint efforts,” he said. “Our collaboration with the RCMP, CBSA, EFCC, NDLEA, and Interpol has delivered measurable outcomes. These alliances are critical to enhancing the security of global supply chains and fostering legitimate trade between our nations.”
CGC Adeniyi further proposed the formalisation of the growing relationship through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Canadian Border Services Agency. The MoU, he suggested, would institutionalise ongoing cooperation in intelligence sharing, enforcement coordination, and capacity building.
He emphasised the importance of greater collaboration between Customs administrations across continents, especially in the context of shared obligations under the World Customs Organisation (WCO), where both Nigeria and Canada are active members.
Mr. Liam Price, Director General of International Special Services, RCMP, noted that the partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service has significantly enhanced Canada’s ability to counter organised crime internationally and praised the NCS as a critical ally in global law enforcement.
Other top Nigerian enforcement officials were also recognised at the event, including the Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede; Chairman/CEO of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), represented by Barrister Shadrac Haruna; and the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, who was represented by AIG Olaolu Adegbite of Interpol Nigeria.
The recognition by the RCMP underscores Nigeria Customs Service’s rising profile as a dependable player in international border security and affirms the transformative impact of sustained inter-agency cooperation in tackling organised crime and illicit trade on a global scale.
